Stoichiometry of Composition - Chemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

Grasp the fundamental language of chemistry through Stoichiometry of Composition. This concise undergraduate-foundation course systematically establishes core quantitative concepts essential for all subsequent chemistry studies. We will precisely define and calculate relative atomic mass, master the critical mole concept to transition between the microscopic and macroscopic worlds, determine molar masses, and then apply these principles to calculate percent composition and accurately derive both empirical and molecular formulae from experimental data. The content is structured for immediate application, moving from foundational definitions to complex problem-solving. Quantitative chemistry is not abstract theory; it is the practical basis for chemical synthesis and analysis across science and industry. Learners will develop the ability to accurately predict reactant and product ratios in chemical reactions, interpret laboratory data for compound identification, and correctly formulate materials in fields such as chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Mastery of these stoichiometric calculations is non-negotiable for success in laboratory work and industrial scale-up. Upon completion, you will be able to calculate and interpret relative atomic and molecular masses; confidently apply the mole concept to interconvert mass, moles, and number of particles; calculate the molar mass of any compound; precisely determine the percent composition of a substance; and successfully solve multi-step problems to deduce a compound's empirical and molecular formulae. The course culminates in extensive practice to secure computational fluency. This course is essential for undergraduate students beginning any science or engineering programme that requires a solid foundation in Chemistry, particularly those preparing for university-level coursework. It also serves as an intensive, structured refresher for advanced students, technical professionals needing to reinforce core computational skills, and anyone using UniDrills to self-study for competitive professional examinations.

8

3 hrs

Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
CHM 101: General Chemistry I
This learning track delivers the complete NUC CCMAS curriculum for General Chemistry I. It is a comprehensive programme designed to build a robust, university-level foundation in modern chemistry. The track systematically covers all essential topics, from atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the states of matter, to the quantitative principles of stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This programme is for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculties who are required to take CHM 101. It is also essential for any student or professional globally who needs a rigorous and complete foundation in first-year university chemistry for further study or career development. This track delivers a full skill set in chemical theory and quantitative problem-solving. Graduates will be able to determine molecular structures, calculate reaction quantities, analyse the energetics and rates of reactions, and solve complex equilibrium problems. This programme provides the non-negotiable prerequisite knowledge for all subsequent chemistry courses and for any degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or medicine.

This learning track delivers the complete NUC CCMAS curriculum for General Chemistry I. It is a comprehensive programme designed to build a robust, university-level foundation in modern chemistry. The track systematically covers all essential topics, from atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the states of matter, to the quantitative principles of stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This programme is for first-year undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculties who are required to take CHM 101. It is also essential for any student or professional globally who needs a rigorous and complete foundation in first-year university chemistry for further study or career development. This track delivers a full skill set in chemical theory and quantitative problem-solving. Graduates will be able to determine molecular structures, calculate reaction quantities, analyse the energetics and rates of reactions, and solve complex equilibrium problems. This programme provides the non-negotiable prerequisite knowledge for all subsequent chemistry courses and for any degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or medicine.

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Course Chapters

1. Introduction
2
1

This chapter establishes the mass scale for chemical measurement. We define relative atomic mass using the carbon-12 standard and determine the weighted average mass of elements based on natural isotopic variance. You will master the course objectives, the carbon-12 reference definition, and the calculation of weighted atomic mass from isotopic abundance data.

Chapter lessons

1-1. Welcome
4:48

This lesson provides a brief overview of the course, outlining the key topics of the mole, chemical formulae, and solution concentration.

1-2. Relative atomic mass
6:13

This lesson defines Relative Atomic Mass as the mass of an atom relative to the carbon-12 standard. We explain the contribution of isotopes to the weighted average atomic mass of an element. Master this concept to accurately use the periodic table for mass calculations.

2. The Mole Concept
2
1

This chapter introduces the single most important quantitative concept in chemistry: the mole. We formally define this SI unit and establish molar mass as the essential conversion factor for all chemical accounting. You will master the formal definition of the mole, the calculation of molar mass for any substance, and the ability to execute fundamental mass-to-mole conversions.

Chapter lessons

2-1. The mole
10:10

This lesson formally defines the mole, the SI unit of chemical quantity. We establish the mole as the indispensable counting unit that enables all quantitative chemical accounting.

2-2. Molar mass
15:26

This lesson formally defines molar mass for any substance and establishes its numerical equivalence with relative mass, providing the critical conversion factor between mass and moles.

3. Chemical Formulae
2
4

This chapter focuses on converting laboratory mass data into a definitive chemical formula. We cover all analytical methods required to determine a compound's simplest (empirical) and actual (molecular) whole-number atomic ratios. You will master defining empirical and molecular formulae, performing calculations from percentage and combustion analysis data, deriving the final molecular formula, and solving hydrate analysis problems.

Chapter lessons

3-1. Percent composition
14:36

This lesson defines percent composition and details its calculation for any compound. We establish why this mass-based ratio is the mandatory initial data for empirical formula determination.

3-2. Empirical and molecular formulae
8:14

This lesson formally defines the empirical and molecular formulae. We establish the difference between the simplest whole-number ratio and the actual composition required for compound identification.

4. Conclusion
1

This concluding chapter summarises the core concepts of chemical measurement. It reinforces the understanding of the mole and chemical formulae. This summary prepares the student for the next course - Stoichiometry of Reactions - where these accounting tools will be applied to chemical equations.

Chapter lessons

4-1. Summary and practice questions
7:06

This lesson provides a comprehensive review of the mole concept, molar mass calculations, and the derivation of empirical and molecular formulae. You will solve integrated practice problems that combine these quantitative tools to ensure readiness for the subsequent course on reaction stoichiometry.